Polarization dynamics in spin-VCSELs with integrated surface grating for high birefringence splitting

Polarization dynamics in spin-polarized vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs) with high birefringence have recently been demonstrated to offer very high potential for optical data-transmission systems that outperform their counterparts based on conventional direct current modulation by far. For polarization dynamics in spin-VCSELs, the birefringence determines the resonance frequency and thus the modulation bandwidth. In previous work, birefringence was controlled using mechanical strain, which lacks the ability to be integrated in standard VCSEL manufacturing processes. In this work the polarization dynamics of a VCSEL with an integrated birefringence control mechanism is demonstrated based on custom designed integrated surface gratings. It is found that, despite the surface grating which is commonly known to stabilize the polarization, the presented spin-VCSELs are able to generate polarization oscillations with frequencies corresponding to the birefringence induced by the surface grating and show polarization dynamics up to 68 GHz.

Automated summary

Spin-polarized vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs) with high birefringence show great potential for optical data-transmission systems with superior performance compared to conventional direct current modulation. The birefringence in spin-VCSELs determines the resonance frequency and modulation bandwidth. This study demonstrates the polarization dynamics of a VCSEL with an integrated birefringence control mechanism using custom designed integrated surface gratings. The spin-VCSELs generated polarization oscillations with frequencies corresponding to the birefringence induced by the surface grating and exhibited polarization dynamics up to 68 GHz.